Alcohol Concern attacked the move to criminalise children for drinking but welcomed greater involvement for parents.

"Young people with drink problems need support and advice, not a criminal record and there is a danger that kids are going to be criminalised for copying adult behaviour," a spokesman said. "Until we get to the heart of why young people drink in public it's unlikely that we'll see any sort of change in attitudes or behaviour."

The alcohol action plan will see teenagers persistently possessing alcohol in public subjected to anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) and acceptable behaviour contracts.

Their parents will be hit by similar orders and contracts - including the requirement to attending parenting courses - if they fail to get their children to "change their ways". Ultimately, they could be prosecuted.